Lesson # 2: It is the little things that Matter.

As a church goer, I have my own struggles with what kind of mother and woman I should be. Where do I fit in? I think that most of us go through similar issues, and I don't know that  I have an answer yet.
However, I was thinking of the lessons that the holidays have taught me. So lesson number 2 is as follows.

Despite the fact that I am not crafty, I do not have play dates, I work full time and go to school at night. I enjoy hanging with my husband more than girls night out. This can, at times, lead to a lonely existence as a mother.

As I started into the holiday season, I started to wonder how I can  be aware and help those around me. As I am not the mother that will make pre-made cookie jars, or wrap a ribbon around a candle with a holiday poem, but I am someone who cares about others. I do want to help and assist anywhere I can.

Lesson #2 Make consistent and deliberate attempts.

I learned that the effort of saying hello, smiling to someone new, letting others know I am there for them, stopping by to say hi, this is enough. As long as my intent is pure, my acts are deliberate and I consistently try, I can influence the lives of those around me for the better, even without a red ribbon and poem attached to the candle.

As I write this down, I want you all to know, how much I love and care for you. How much I appreciate your words. Merry Christmas! 

Are we ready for the season?

I am a genius. I know that this sounds a little conceded, but my actions have proven this to be true, or not so true in actuality. I have started a new job and Aesthetics school at night both in the same week and just one week before Thanksgiving. Once Thanksgiving comes around, then we start the parties and family gatherings, the shopping and celebrating of the season. So, why not tack on a couple more things to complete my insane life. In addition to trying to keep the house clean, plan meals, schedule the holidays,work and go to school, I am looking into starting a beehive. This in actuality cannot happen until April or May, however I have to save the money and learn all I can so I am ready in time.

Are you ready for the Holiday Season? Meeting with your family to "enjoy" the Holidays together, only to spend 60% of your time strategically placing yourself in a different room from that family member you would prefer not to be related to. Going over the Christmas list to see what you can get a deal on, what you can find on Ebay and what will not be included in the presents due to financial matters.
I am scared to death for the season, the bills, the recovery, the job and the hope to remember the "spirit" of Christmas.
Also I thought I would post our family picture that we are sending out this year. I stay away from pictures and there are very few over the last 5 years due to my increasing weight. However, I thought it was time, I got a great deal on a photographer and she gave me the cd to use, so I can watch the cost; since in my last family picture, my eight yr old was 3 months old, I thought I should bite the bullet.
Happy Holidays.